​Motosumo releases algorithm that could make high-tech indoor bikes obsolete

Motosumo uses the sensors inside your smartphone to track fitness data during indoor cycling workouts. One of the metrics it can measure is cadence, i.e., how fast a rider is pedaling. Normally, you could only get this kind of data from an indoor bike with integrated software. Now, thanks to the new algorithm, all you need is a smartphone.

The algorithm is the work of Motosumo’s tech team, a motley crew of astrophysicists, engineers, developers, and computer science PhD-holders. In order to build it, they’ve implemented something practically unheard of in the world of group fitness: machine learning.

For several months, the new algorithm has quietly been using machine learning to improve accuracy. It is now so precise that you can place the phone anywhere on an indoor bike and get a cadence reading. Zero additional hardware or software is needed. Motosumo does the same job as an expensive indoor tech bike, for free.

“We think the potential for this is enormous,” said Jens Juel Jensen, product owner and co-founder at Motosumo. “It means that absolutely anyone can have access to this type of training data.”

It’s also great news for gym owners looking for an affordable way to upgrade indoor cycling experiences. Members simply download the app and show up to class. “We’ve always told our clients that Motosumo works without any additional hardware,” said Jens. “Then we realized that wasn’t quite true. Some bikes need a mount to hold the phone in place. But now you can just pop the phone on the handlebars, even in the bottle holder, and still get an accurate reading.”

Aside from pro-level fitness data, the app also offers tons of games and community-building features.

The cadence reading is available in the latest version of the app.

If you're a gym owner, try a free five-minute demo of Motosumo today!